The New Green

Green Tea For The Brain

Grilled Salmon with Green Tea Sauce is a delicious and easy way to get the benefits of antioxidants into your diet. 300The Chinese have known of the health benefits of drinking green tea since ancient times. It was used medicinally to treat many ailments such as headaches and depression.

Over the last few decades, there have been several scientific and medical studies on the health benefits of green tea. These studies showed evidence that green tea drinkers have a lower risk of both heart disease and cancer.

Most recently, a Japanese study on the natural properties of green tea by Shinichi Kuriyama, MD, PhD indicated that green tea may possess neuroprotective properties that lead to improved cognitive function. The study included about 1,000 Japanese participants aged 70 and over. Those that drank the most green tea showed a lower prevalence of cognitive impairment based on tests of mental status. Further, drinking at least two cups of green tea a day regularly was linked with individuals having a sharper mind, than those who did not drink green tea.

Green tea is made from leaves of Camellia sinesis which undergo minimal processing. Green teas also provide more antioxidant polyphenols than black or oolong teas. In particular, the abundance of the powerful antioxidant EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) may account for the improved cognitive function in the study’s participants.

Adding green tea to your daily diet is easier than you think. Green tea is not just a calorie-free drink, but also an easy way to add subtle flavor to your dishes. Incorporate green tea in your recipes. Try green tea in sauces with salmon, or cook rice with green tea in lieu of water. Green tea flavored with lemon, fruit, jasmine or rose is a delightful addition to cakes, cookies, ice creams, puddings, smoothies or shakes.